Distribution of backpacks for Jersey City kids will start earlier tomorrow

Local officials, the United Way and sponsors team up to provide free backpack filled with school supplies to students in Jersey City.

Upwards of 15,000 backpacks stuffed with school supplies and snacks will be distributed tomorrow to Jersey City back-to-schoolers at four locations.

Starting at 9:30 a.m., the Second Annual United Way Backpack Giveaway will be conducted at Pershing Field, Lincoln Park, Audubon Park and Hudson County School of Technology, all in Jersey City, Freeholder Chairman William O’Dea said.

The timing of the giveaway was moved up a half-hour to avoid any conflicts with Hurricane Irene.

“We hope and we believe Mother Nature is going to hold out until all the kids have their backpacks and their (soft) drinks,” O’Dea said. “We expect a real good event.”

United Way, in association with TD Bank and various city and county officials, including Freeholders O’Dea, Anthony Romano, Jeffrey Dublin and City Councilmen Steve Fulop and David Donnelly, spearheaded the effort.

“Last year, we did about 8,000 and this year we expect to do approximately 15,000 backpacks,” O’Dea said.

The giveaway is open to grammar school-age children in Jersey City accompanied by an adult.

County Prep High School, one of the Hudson County Schools of Technology, is located at 525 Montgomery St.

Pershing Field is at Central and Manhattan avenues. Lincoln Park is bordered by West Side Avenue, Route 440, and Duncan and Communipaw avenues. And Audubon Park is at Stegman Parkway and Bergen Avenue.